Council Tax Summons

_JoanWicks_

Hi, I received a summons in the post on Saturday for unpaid council tax, I was obviously unable to contact them as they’re only open during the week. 

I emailed them with  proof of payment showing that I am up to date, as yet I’ve had no reply. 

Has anyone had a similar experience and how did it work out, felt sick to my stomach when I saw what it was. 

(Wasn’t sure what category to post under)

MovingForwards

If you've been late / missed payments, the option to pay by instalments is withdrawn and the remainder for 2020/21 is due, a reminder may / may not be sent depending on the council. If that's then not paid a summons will be sent.

Can you double check your bills against due date, amount due, when paid and date paid?

_JoanWicks_

I’m completely up to date as soon as I saw it I went over my bank statements and found when the money went out and then found the receipt in my emails which I included in my email to them.  If I don’t get a reply to my email I’ll call them. H

MovingForwards

If they don't reply in time then attend court with proof of bills and payments, ask them to withdraw the summons and associated costs with it.

Do check your due by dates though as that does catch people out.

The court process isn't scary, it's a load of council employees doing conveyor belt 'hearings' (several tables in a big room, each table has a council employee and person who was summoned, they chat about the bill, how much is outstanding and asking how it will be paid eg instalments and set a plan up if necessary).

CIS

Being up to date with payments is immaterial, it's whether or not payments on the correct date and of the correct amount have been paid. To get to a summons then payment must not have been received as required according to the council's system.

There is a seperation between speaking to council staff at court and the actual judicial process of granting the liability order.

You can if you wish attend the court, if you don't the case goes ahead anyway. The magistrates will consider the case and grant any liability orders, they have no powers to refuse the order if it's been correctly applied for.

The court staff who are there can meet you and discuss payment etc - they turn up as it's often the only time you can speak face to face with the debtors and arrange something.